Ah, Milano—the city of fashion, history, and culture. While many travelers rush through Milan on their way to Venice or Florence, this city is a destination in its own right. Whether you’re here for the first time or just making a quick stop, Milan packs a lot into one day—and you don’t have to break the bank to experience it!
Having lived here, we know exactly how to see the best of Milan in 24 hours, from famous landmarks to hidden gems that most tourists miss. Ready? Let’s go!
Morning: Iconic Milan Landmarks & Coffee Culture
1. Start at the Duomo di Milano (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)
Begin your day at Piazza del Duomo, home to Milan’s most iconic cathedral. Instead of paying to climb to the top, admire the stunning facade from the square or attend a free morning mass inside.
Want the best views? If you don’t mind spending a little, book a skip-the-line Duomo terrace ticket (€10-€15) in advance.
2. Walk Through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (9:00 AM - 9:30 AM)
Next, step into Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s most beautiful shopping galleries. Even if you’re not shopping at Prada or Gucci, just walking through is an experience.
🔹 Don’t forget to spin on the bull’s mosaic in the center for good luck!
If you feel like having some fantastic sweets, grab some of the most fantastic dolce with tea at Marchesi 1824; the views of the gallerie are worth every single penny.
3. Classic Milanese Breakfast (9:30 AM - 10:00 AM)
Skip overpriced tourist cafés and grab a €1.50 cappuccino and €2 brioche at a local favorite like:
- Pavé – Great pastries, cozy atmosphere.
- Marchesi 1824 – Historic bakery with a touch of elegance. Besides the one in the Galleria, you can also find one in the Quadrilatero della Moda (Via Monte Napoleone, 9).
Late Morning: Castles, Art, & Green Spaces
4. Explore Castello Sforzesco & Michelangelo’s Pietà (10:15 AM - 11:30 AM)
Walk 10 minutes to Castello Sforzesco, Milan’s Renaissance fortress. Entry is free, but for €5, you can visit its museums and see Michelangelo’s final, unfinished masterpiece, Pietà Rondanini.
5. Relax at Parco Sempione (11:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
Right behind the castle, Parco Sempione is a great place to unwind. Walk to Arco della Pace (Milan’s version of the Arc de Triomphe) for a quick photo stop.
Afternoon: Hidden Gems & a Delicious Lunch
6. Visit Leonardo da Vinci’s Vineyard (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
Few tourists know about Leonardo da Vinci’s Vineyard, hidden near Santa Maria delle Grazie (where The Last Supper is housed). It’s a unique, budget-friendly alternative if you didn’t book The Last Supper tickets in advance.
7. Lunch in Brera (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM)
For a delicious, budget-friendly lunch, head to Brera, Milan’s charming art district. Some great spots include:
- Radicetonda – Organic, fresh, and 100% plant-based.
- Flower Burger – A fun take on burgers with colorful buns and creative flavors.
- Trattoria di Fortunata is renowned for its handmade pasta. It is a well-established Roman eatery that's worth waiting in line to enjoy, as reservations are not taken.
If you're in a hurry, other great budget-friendly options include:
- Luini Panzerotti (€3-€5) – Milan’s most famous stuffed pastry.
- Piz Pizzeria (€10 for authentic Neapolitan pizza).
8. Art in Brera
For art lovers, a stroll through Brera is a must. This charming district, often dubbed Milan’s artistic soul, is home to the prestigious Pinacoteca di Brera, a world-class gallery featuring masterpieces from Caravaggio, Raphael, and beyond.
But Brera isn’t just about museums—it’s also dotted with independent art shops, design studios, and artisan boutiques, where you can find everything from handmade prints to contemporary ceramics.
The area’s bohemian vibe and leafy cobbled streets make it the perfect place to slow down, get inspired, and maybe even take home a unique piece of Milanese creativity.
9. Fashion Scene
Just a short walk from Brera, you’ll find the Quadrilatero della Moda—Milan’s famed fashion district. This elegant neighborhood, lined with grand architecture and polished boutiques, is the epicenter of Italian haute couture.
Streets like Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga are home to luxury brands, from timeless houses like Prada and Armani to emerging sustainable designers.
Even if you’re not on a shopping spree, wandering through this area offers a glimpse into Milan’s deep-rooted relationship with design, craftsmanship, and style. And in between window shopping, you’ll find refined cafés and a few hidden spots serving plant-based bites with flair.
10. Stroll towards the local realms
Porta Venezia, one of Milan’s historic city gates, marks a symbolic entrance to the eastern side of the city. Its neoclassical columns and detailed reliefs reflect a 19th-century reconstruction, though the gate’s roots trace back to Roman times.
If you’re arriving at or departing from Milano Centrale, it’s well worth making a stop at Porta Venezia—it’s just a short metro or bike ride away. This area also connects directly to Corso Buenos Aires, one of Europe’s longest and liveliest shopping streets, lined with everything from Italian fashion brands to vegan gelato spots.
More than just a striking architectural site, Porta Venezia opens into one of Milan’s most vibrant and multicultural neighborhoods, known for its Liberty-style architecture, proximity to Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, and a growing number of plant-based eateries and indie boutiques.
Near Milano Centrale Station, stop by Café Piazza Alberto for a custom-made panini, great wine, coffee, and aperitivo. The owner is super friendly, and the place is a budget-friendly gem in an area full of overpriced tourist spots.
Early Evening: Aperitivo & Sunset Views
11. Discover Milan’s Greenest Skyscraper & Sound Art (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM)
If you’re curious to see how Milan blends futuristic design with sustainability, head to Garibaldi station and explore the Porta Nuova district. Here you’ll find Bosco Verticale, an award-winning pair of residential towers covered in more than 20,000 trees and plants—an iconic symbol of Milan’s eco-conscious vision.
Right nearby, in Piazza Gae Aulenti, you’ll spot a playful set of golden trumpet-shaped pipes curving out from the ground. These aren’t just art—they form an interactive sound installation connecting two levels of the square. It’s a surprising and fun spot, especially if you’re into architecture, urban design, or just want a cool photo before heading into the evening.
12. Explore the Navigli Canals (3:00 PM - 4:30 PM)
Take the Milan Metro (€2 ticket) to Navigli, the city’s historic canal district. Head towards rhe Arco di Porta Ticinese.
Taking the tram is one of my favorite ways to explore Milan, having the Pedestrian's view; they are fantastic and you feel transported to times, were not everything ran as fast as the metro.
Stroll along the canals, pop into vintage boutiques, and take in the local energy.
Come sunset, this area truly comes alive with the buzz of Aperitivo—an iconic Milanese ritual—where bars serve up their best drinks alongside tasty bites, perfect for soaking up the vibrant evening vibe.
Our favorite eateries around the area: Ristorante Officina 12, Panghea Ristorante, and Trattoria Caprese 2.0
13. Classic Milanese Aperitivo (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
Instead of an expensive dinner, enjoy aperitivo, Milan’s happy-hour tradition where you buy a drink (€8-€12) and get free snacks.
Best aperitivo spots:
- LibrOsteria – A cozy bookshop café with a relaxed vibe.
- Ugo Cocktail Bar – Stylish cocktails with great small plates.
Final Tips for a Perfect 1 Day in Milan
Budget Transport Hacks
- Walk as much as possible – Milan is compact!
- Metro Pass (€7.60 for 24 hours) – Cheaper than single tickets.
- BikeMi (€4.50/day) – Milan’s bike-sharing system.
- Tram – use it! It’s a fantastic way to explore the city while watching it glide by from a vintage seat.
To stretch your budget, skip taxis and ride apps whenever possible. Milan’s public transport is not only affordable but also clean and efficient. If you’re planning to visit landmarks like the Duomo or Brera, cluster them by area and enjoy walking between them.
For the full local vibe, hop on an old-school tram – Line 1 passes by several key sights and gives you a charming, cinematic ride through the heart of the city.
Free & Discounted Museums
- Many museums, including Museo del Novecento, are free on the first Sunday of every month.
- Under 26? Many attractions offer student discounts.
Where to Stay on a Budget
- Ostello Bello – Highly-rated hostel with free meals.
- Airbnb in Navigli or Porta Romana – Affordable and charming.
- Residenza Cenisio - also affordable, great spacious room, super green space.
What’s the best next stop after Milan?
Milan is the perfect launchpad to explore Northern and Central Italy. With its unbeatable train connections, you can reach some of the country’s most iconic spots—whether you’re heading east to Venice or the Dolomites in Bolzano, west to Piedmont, or north to the lakes.
If you’ve got an extra day, catch the €5 train to Varenna, one of the most enchanting villages on Lake Como, and wander through the nearby gems. From there, you can hop a ferry to Cernobbio or the postcard-perfect Bellagio.
Want something coastal? Head south to Cinque Terre, a must-visit cluster of fishing villages hugging the Ligurian cliffs. Wondering is it worth going to Cinque Terre? Yes—especially if you’re after scenic hikes, sea views, and photogenic harbors (just skip the high season if you can).
Prefer the quiet beauty of lesser-known towns? Gaeta, a charming coastal village between Rome and Naples, offers a tranquil alternative with a strong local vibe and excellent plant-based food options.
Heading to the heel of the boot? Don’t miss Ostuni, the whitewashed hilltop town in Puglia that’s perfect for slow travel and locally-sourced cuisine.
Looking for the ultimate foodie escape? Head west to Piedmont, where slow food was born. Check out our full Piedmont food travel guide—a haven of rich flavors, Alpine scenery, and sustainable culinary traditions.
Planning your route? Let us know where you’re going next—we’re always happy to share more eco-conscious ideas!
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